Mercedes-AMG achieves high efficiency on 2016 F1 engine

The Mercedes-AMG F1 powertrain is running at 50% efficiency, the team’s engine boss Andy Cowell claimed at the new car’s launch.

Cowell told reporters before the W07 was officially unveiled for pre-season testing that the ICE was running at 45% efficiency, which was boosted to 50% when the energy recovery system was factored in.

The team has been working hard all winter to cement its position at the forefront of F1 engine development. “Nobody here is assuming we are going to win,” said Cowell. “Everybody here is assuming we’re going to get beaten by Ferrari, and Honda are a big threat.”

He also said that he hoped the thermal efficiency gains in F1 could be translated back to road car development: “Where we’re at with our thermal efficiency is mind-blowing when you step back and look at it. And if we can apply that to the road car world without losing that high efficiency, it will be tremendous.”

“We drive to the shops, though – none of us stays full throttle all the way up to the corner and then brakes at 5G. But the step gains are considerable and they are greater than we are seeing in the road car world even today.”

Cowell was interviewed for the latest issue of Engine Technology International – click here to read online.

About Author

Dean has been with UKi Media & Events for over a decade, having previously cut his journalistic teeth writing and editing for various automotive and engineering titles. He combines extensive knowledge of all things automotive with a passion for driving, and experience testing countless new vehicles, engines and technologies around the world. As well as his role as editor-in-chief across a range of UKi's media titles, he is also co-chair of the judging panel of the International Engine of the Year Awards.

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